I love it when people call me o book a party. I have 100% sales success so far, but.....

I also have 90% CALLBACKS TO CANCEL JUST A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY. It usually turns out to be something like....

" I spent more money than I thought I would..."


" Billy changed his mind and wanted to have Buz Lightyear visit..."

I even had one mom tell me,

" I'm cancelling Junior's party this year because he's been bad..."

WHAT GIVES?

I didn't want to do this, but....

I may have to start taking some sort of deposit, like a half hour worth of my time. I mean, I'm penciling in these dates, and if someone else calls, I've told them I am not available.

Esther, I bet you have some say about this.....but anyone else as well....

PLEASE SHARE!!!

Bips, You are doing the right thing. If for no other reason that you are booking a portion of your time that you could spend doing something with your family. This is a business. And Business is business.

Yeah bips, great idea about the deposit, after all its their own fault if they spend too much, you need to make a living too.

I agree asking for a deposit is a good idea.

I agreee with you about the deposit to many "things" happen and they dont always realize you make at least part of your living clowning. and if you get a deposit then they realize that if they call and cancel they are out at least some of the money. at first is wasnt to sure about it but after hearing your story i am begining to realize that in this day and age it might be a good idea.

Thanks guys....I needed the input.

I have a regular job, so I don't depend on it, BUT.....

it's more the disappointment than anything else. I really found something I enjoy and look forward to planning, and it's a real letdown when they cancel.

maybe a simple amount, say $25, just so if someone else calls, I can also tell them I've already taken a deposit for this day....

Hope to type at you guys later at the chat!

Ithnk this is something EVERY clown goes through But as you get more known they get less and less Dont let it get to you and you will be all right

Keep Smiling

Definitely take a deposit. I used to be against the idea, thinking that it was kind of rude and un-clownlike to do so. But as soon as I had a rash of cancellations on my hands, I changed my tune.

I don't know what you charge, but I suggest that you take a 25% deposit on the party. Someone told me that if people make a deposit, they won't cancel. Even though I did have one cancellation this week! :(

It's not rude, and business is business. I think a lot clowns have trouble realizing that there is a business side to all of this too. And you have to think in that perspective sometimes.

But oh well, at least I have deposit, and I get to sleep in a little later this weekend :D

bips,
I always get a 50% deposit and they have to sign a contract stating that cancellations under seven days in advance require full payment. The contract also covers me in case anything happens at a party or show that a person can sue me over. I hate doing it- but we live in a sue happy world. It covers problems with balloons, face-painting and games. Prayerfully none will occur, but I always fear an older child will lay a balloon around for a younger chil dto get a hold of.
I hope things get easier.

Bye!

I'm not sure if this is any use but my Dentist uses a very good method. If you cancel your appointment very suddenly, say 1 day before, a fee must be paid.

There if they have to cancel then they have to give you at least 48 hours warning, maybe you could apply this to your problem.

Heya, TinyTiff. Must say that must be my biggest fear, being sued for somthing that wasn't my fault. Great idea about getting them to sign something.